5 Different Types of Highlights to Give You All of the Fall Hair Inspo

October 13, 2023
Jordan Julian
By: Jordan Julian | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Person with blonde highlights holding her hands in her hair against a purple background

Nepo Blonde

Unlike earthy blonde shades, “this tone is energetic and the epitome of ‘blondes have more fun,’ which rings true thanks to the attention-grabbing glow this shade provides,” says Smith. “This blonde is bright, clean and finely woven, creating a blonde canvas that is subtly multi-tonal.” Keep your color-treated hair healthy and strong with the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Routine.  

Chunky Highlights

“Chunky highlights are becoming more and more popular as people are intrigued by the idea of adding high contrast elements to their hair,” Smith explains. “Chunky highlights can definitely feel a little stripey and less natural, making them a great choice for the bolder wear or those who wish to make a statement.” You may remember chunky highlights as a major trend from the early 2000s. This hair color revival is the latest iteration of the beauty world’s obsession with Y2K aesthetics. “Chunky highlights can be positioned throughout the hair for a textural effect, done in a balayage technique to have a soft blended but piecey result by keeping them away from the roots or just kept around the face for a money-piece-style effect,” he says.

Babylights

If you want a natural, more subtle look, babylights may be right for you. “Babylights are microfine highlights that are extremely delicately woven to give a very blended color,” says Smith. “The great thing about this technique is [babylights] do not show stripes or chunks, but brighten your natural color seamlessly, which tends to have a soft root as your natural hair grows out. They also tend to look more sophisticated and expensive, thanks to their intricacy.” Babylights can be done on all hair colors, from dark brunette to sun-kissed blonde. To maintain your bright blonde tone and keep brassiness at bay, incorporate a purple shampoo like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo into your hair-care routine. 

Hot Chocolate Hair

Hot chocolate hair is having a huge moment this fall, and it can be accomplished by adding warm brown lowlights. “Under the expensive brunette umbrella, chocolate highlights give depth and dimension to deeper tones,” says Smith. “Traditionally called lowlights, these are a great way of adding detail and interest to those with deeper hair.”

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

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